A teenager from Dundee has died while on holiday in Benidorm after a suspected reaction to vape oil, his family has confirmed. Harry Whitton, 18, was with his girlfriend at the popular Spanish resort when he fell ill. His father, Chris Whitton, shared on Facebook that the family believes Harry suffered a deadly reaction while out for lunch.
Discussing the post-mortem results, Chris said: 'His throat has then constricted causing him problems breathing. He also vomited which, in his struggle to breathe, has aspirated into his lungs.' The family suspects the reaction was triggered by a vape oil Harry had recently purchased in Benidorm. 'It is the only difference between what he has been using and what [his girlfriend] was using,' Chris added.
Chris warned: 'If one thing comes from the loss of our boy Harry, it has to be us highlighting the dangers of using vapes/oils etc… There are still far too many unknowns about these vape oils and no long term studies have been done on their effects.' Harry's mother, Debbie Bell, told Metro that the family plans to have the vape oil tested for 'contained substance' once they return to Scotland.
In a heartfelt Facebook tribute, Debbie said the family's 'hearts are shattered' and their world 'turned upside down'. She wrote: 'Our little drummer boy has passed away while living his best life on holiday with the love of his life. We were all so proud of all that Harry had achieved, and we were all waiting to see how the next chapter would unfold in his future.' The family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Harry's repatriation.
Harry was described by Dundee FC as a 'familiar and friendly face' within the hospitality lounges at Dens Park, where he worked. The club said he was 'highly valued by colleagues and warmly regarded by supporters'. A Foreign Office spokesperson stated: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Benidorm and are in contact with the local authorities.'
